The Edmonton Rush's biggest asset doesn't technically belong to them right now.

An unrestricted free agent as of last weekend's loss to the Washington Stealth, transition player Brodie Merrill would like nothing better than another chance to finish what he started in Edmonton.

"I really look forward to coming back to Edmonton," said Merrill, who was named the National Lacrosse League transition player of the year on Wednesday. "I'm optimistic that we're going to get a contract in place."

REST EASY

Once it happens, he can rest easy -- which is something he hasn't been able to do after falling 12-11 in overtime to the Stealth last Saturday.

"There have been a couple of sleepless nights since then, replaying that final play," Merrill said. "That being said, it's tough to have any regrets. We played a good game, we came back and showed a lot of character.

"No one made a mistake during the game, it was just a guy on a team making a big play at the end of the game."

Had that player been wearing a Rush jersey, then Rexall Place would be hosting the Toronto Rock in the Champion's Cup on Saturday.

Instead, the Rush will have to wait until next year for another chance to play in the final.

BIG PART

But those odds would drop sharply without Merrill in the lineup. He was a big part of what the Rush accomplished not only on the floor, but also in shaping the team's winning attitude.

It was something every member of the club bought into, as well as something Merrill could afford to share.

"Already you can see the dialogue's kind of started and we're looking forward to next year," Merrill said. "I think we feel a sense that there's some unfinished business."